Question
I read on this site (written by Victoria back in 2001) that lilac cuttings should be
placed in a large plastic bag and then put in a shady spot. Question: A clear
plastic bag or a dark one? I have a very dark purple lilac that has just two old
branches and won't produce suckers.  

Answer
Hi Mike,
Thanx for your question.  Personally, I would not put the bagged plant outdoors in the shade but we gardeners have all different kinds of methods and practices that work for us.  The problem with placing a bagged plant outdoors, even in the shade is that the internal tempertures can get too high.  I would bag the cuttings in a clear, plastic bag and keep it indoors where you can maintain a constant 70-72 F temperature.  Keep the bag out of the sun but keep it under cool lights like 40-watt shop lights.  Again, the bag should be clear.  I hope this helps.
Tom